SSR 12-2p Helps Fibromyalgia Clients Get Approved For Social Security Disability

The Social Security Administration recently issued SSR 12-2p which helps applicants suffering from Fibromyalgia. Social Security finally acknowledges this severe and debilitating disease is a valid diagnosis and a potential basis for Social Security Disability.

HOW DOES THIS HELP YOU:

1. Social Security finally acknowledges Fibromyalgia is a medically determinable impairment that can be the basis of disability.
2. Guidelines are established for your doctor to follow to document the diagnosis.
3. Medical records still remain the primary factor of evidence of the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia.

TWO WAYS TO PROVE FIBROMYALGIA:
Both dependent upon your treating physician’s medical records. Both focus on tests established by the American College of Rheumatology.

MEETING ALL THREE:

1. History of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body and a history of spinal pain, which has persisted for at least 3 months at varying levels of intensity: and,
2. At least 11 positive tender points found bilaterally, and above and below the waist. The doctor must document the positive tender point findings and indicate use of approximately 9 pounds of force;
3. Medical exclusion of other disorders that could cause these symptoms.

MEETING ALL THREE:

1. History of widespread pain as noted above;
2. Repeated evidence of 6 or more Fibromyalgia symptoms, or co-occurring conditions. Such as:
a. Fatigue
b. Cognitive or memory problems
c. Poor sleep
d. Depression
e. Anxiety
f. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
g. Muscle weakness
h. Headaches
i. Cognitive problems
j. Reynaud’s sores
k. Bladder issues

EXCLUSION OF OTHER DISORDERS WITH SIMILAR SYMPTOMS
A longer treatment history with increasing pain and other symptoms along with decreasing functionality can be very helpful in proving Fibromyalgia and disability.
There are no medically accepted tests that can prove the existence of pain or fatigue, and no test that measures the severity of these symptoms. These symptoms must be clearly and consistently noted in your doctor’s records.
Judges generally give greater weight to treating rheumatologists and pain specialists in Fibromyalgia cases than to general practitioners. Make sure you tell your doctor all of your symptoms, and make sure they are noted in your records.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NEXT:
The process can get confusing, and must be handled in a very precise manner. If you need help with the application at no charge, and would like us to review your case at no cost, please give us a no obligation call, or send your information to the Law Offices of William Biebuyck PLLC on the evaluation box on our web site, and we will review your case and give you a call. We specialize in Fibromyalgia cases, and have had great success winning throughout Michigan for our clients. We would be glad to file your application for you at no cost. If you have been denied already, please give us a call, you only have 60 days to appeal, and we want all the time we can use to work on your appeal.